His career was peaking yet again.

He just dropped an album.

He was acting again.

And now he’s gone.

R.I.P Heavy D. We got nothing but love for you baby!

AFropolitan is the name of the latest CD from Derrick N. Ashong & Soulfege and it’s BANGING!

I don’t say this just because I had the opportunity to lend my vocals to a track or even becase BONE Entertainments own Stix Bones is the drummer for Soulfege; but I say this because it’s an awesome album.
Afropolitan offers listeners dance tunes, old school reggae and world music that appeals to an array of musical tastes. The creative forces behind Afropolitan are Derrick N. Ashong also known as D.N.A and Johnathan M. Gramling; Harvard graduates who are passionate about politics and music.

In Derrick’s words…

The album is called “AFropolitan” and it makes a musical & lyrical statement about an identity that not only applies to me and my bandmates, but to many of our friends, fans & peers around the world.  It’s an identity that transcends traditional boundaries of culture, ethnicity, race & nationality.  If you’ve never heard the term before you can get an insight into what it means by reading this powerful essay written by my friend taiye selasi – a Ghanaian-Nigerian-American literary genius who you will be hearing much more of in the not-too-distant future.

Don’t take our word for it… check out “Afroploitan” here and get a taste of the tunes.

If you are in the NYC area on October 13th join Soulfege for the NYC album release at
Location: DROM 85 Avenue A (b/w 5th & 6th) New York, NY – (212) 777-1157
Time: ‎8:00PM

Until next time…

Keep Jammin’

If you are in NYC this coming weekend. I suggest to head to Brooklyn and take part in the40th Annual International African Arts Festival!

July 1 – July 4, 2011
Commodore Barry Park
Downtown Brooklyn, NY

This four-day annual arts and crafts festival, a Brooklyn summer institution since 1971 (and formerly held at Boys and Girls High School), includes an African Marketplace, dance and music performances, and fashion shows.

The festival takes place at Commodore Barry Park (Navy Street, between Park and Flushing Avenues, on the border between Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene) rain or shine, July 1-4, 10AM-9PM

Schedule:
FRIDAY, JULY 1
Ancestral opening with Shanto
James Fleet/Drake Colley Quintet
Ngoma-Tribute to Billy Bang
Greg Stamper
Colonel Abrams Dance Party
Asase Ya

SATURDAY, JULY 2
Tribute to Chief Bey, Nana Dinizulu and Baba Ishangi
Ifetayo Youth Ensemble
Omi Yesa
Dimizulu African Dancers, Drummers and Singers
Ishangi family Dancers
Bill Mc Cloud, Urban Ju-Jitsu

SUNDAY, JULY 3
Gospel
Graveshift
Amma Watt
Phyllis Yvonne Stickney MC
The Black Alley players featuring Ebony Jo-Ann (B.O.N.E. Ent. Artist with artist Stix Bones and Johnny Turco)
Tribute to Gil Scott Heron feat. The Last Poets and the Midnight Band
International Day of the Drum Celebrating and Observance
Akom

MONDAY, JULY 4
Rome Neal’s Women In Jazz
Orquesta Tipica 73 (Salsa music)
Phyllis Yvonne Stickney MC
Norman Conners and the Starship Orchestra
Forces of Nature
International Day of the Drum Celebrating and Observance

For information on the Children’s Program (including the Fashion Show, the Afrikan Poetry Theater Poetry Slam, and the Natural Hair Show) and other details, call 718.638.3700 or send an email to infoatIAAFestival.org

Hope to see you there!!!

Keep Jammin!

According to President Obama’s proclamation on May 31st June African American Music Appreication Month! In 2002 President Bush decreed that June was Black Music Month. However 32 years ago today President Jimmy Carter, decreed that June would be Black Music Month. What’s the difference? Black Music or African American Music…. same difference to me.

What say you?

Check out the proclamation below…

The music of our Nation has always spoken to the condition of our people and reflected the diversity of our Union. African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters have made enormous contributions to our culture by capturing the hardships and aspirations of a community and reminding us of our shared values. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor the rich musical traditions of African-American musicians and their gifts to our country and our world.

From the cadenced hums of spirituals to the melodies of rhythm and blues, African-American music has been used to communicate, to challenge, to praise, and to uplift in times of both despair and triumph. The rhythmic chords embedded in spirituals have long expressed a deep faith in the power of prayer, and brought hope to slaves toiling in fields. The soulfulness of jazz and storytelling in the blues inspired a cultural renaissance, while the potent words of gospel gave strength to a generation that rose above the din of hatred to move our country toward justice and equality for all.

Today, African-American musicians continue to create new musical genres and transform the scope of traditional musical formats. The artistic depth of soul, rock and roll, and hip-hop not only bring together people across our Nation, but also energize and shape the creativity of artists around the world. The contributions of African-American composers and musicians to symphony, opera, choral music, and musical theater continue to reach new audiences and encourage listeners to celebrate fresh interpretations of these and other genres.

In cherished songs passed down through generations and innovative musical fusions crafted today, African-American music continues to transcend time, place, and circumstance to provide a source of pride and inspiration for all who hear its harmonies. This month, we celebrate the legacy of African-American music and its enduring power to bring life to the narrative of our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music which is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Hey Folks:

Recently Stix Bones asked a question on his facebook fan page.

Does having the ability to create music on garage band, logic, protools, etc qualify you as a musician? If so how?
His fans had plenty to say…

Derrick N Ashong said Good question. I think regardless of your instrument, the act of making music makes you a musician. The quality of the music you make determines if you’re a good one…

Ever wonder who managed to steer Missy Elliott into the the talented career woman she is, or who focused Busta Rhymes’ Ya, Ya, Ya’s? How about the person behind Maxwell or Fantasia?

Mona Scott-Young that’s who!

Today’s edition of Women Behind the Music salutes the “21st Century Renaisance Sister” as she was dubed by Essence Magazine. Mrs Scott-Young is a multi-media power broker and force behind many successful musical talents. Her fortey – according to her bio on Monami Entertainment LLC - savvy management, marketing and overall business acumen.

Mona maintained successful partnership with Violator Management for 20 years until she decided to pursue her dreams and branch out to a multi-faceted, boutique entertainment company. Monami Entertainment LLC extends beyond just music management; the company now represents model/celebrity personality Toccara and video/film director Dale “Rage” Restighini along with Mona’s legacy client Missy Elliott. Currently Monami has serval projects in the works must recently the docu-series “Love and Hip Hop” which airs on Vh1.

Mona Scott – Young we salute you!

I’m sure you thought I would start off with someone you knew but where would the fun be in that? I mean if you aleady know this information then there is no reason for you to come and read my posts on The B.O.N.E. Chronicles.

Public Relations or better known as PR  are the folks who are responsible for making artists and organizations look good in the public eye. It’s very clear that some artists either need to hire a good firm (i.e. Charlie Sheen) or fire the folks they have on retainer because they aren’t doing a good job cleaning up their nasty messes.

Public relations folks are Kings/Queens of spin; they are the people we hear from when celebrity divorce proceedings have begun or when confirmation of a bouncing new bundle of joy is needed. They are the voice to the public for celebrities. Nicole Vandenberg is one such person and she is a woman behind the music for a list of “who’s who’s” in the music world.

According to her bio Nicole has over 15 years of public relations and public affairs experience with a focus on strategic communication campaigns at the intersection of arts and activism. She is the owner of Vandenberg Communications firm which  provides media relations, community relations, crisis communications, strategic philanthropy and special event coordination for clients in arts and entertainment, business, and nonprofit sectors.

Past and current clients include: Pearl Jam, Gloria Steinem, the 2004 Vote for Change tour, Choice USA, Living Legacy Foundation, YouthNoise, Music for America, Future of Music Coalition, Air Traffic Control, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Groundwork 2001 concert series just to name a few.

In my opinion Nicole Vandenberg is certainly one of our Women Behind the Music and we salute her!

I’m a little late to the party but as they say better late then never; right? Happy Women’s History Month!!! I had grand ideas on how we would celebrate this great month (which began as a day and then evolved into a week and finally a month)  here at the B.O.N.E Chronicles but sometimes plans have to be altered. So instead of the fabulous series of interviews with today’s women in jazz; I’m going to salute the Women Behind the Music. You know; the incredible women who manage, sign and book the talent, the ladies who – record, mix/master, write, produce and get the great music we love out there to the masses!

Stop by often to see who will receive a B.O.N.E. Chronicles thank you!

Keep Jammin’
MrsDeveter